Snape let out an exceptionally loud, mocking snort.
McGonagall looked at Skofot, then at Snape's livid face, and sighed.
"Mr. Leoqi, return to the common room first. I will discuss this matter with Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore. Until we reach a conclusion, I hope you... conduct yourself properly."
She turned to Snape again. "Severus, calm down as well."
Feeling as though he had been granted a reprieve, Skofot nodded gratefully to McGonagall.
Then, at a speed that was practically fleeing, he lowered his head and hurried past Snape, never looking at him again from start to finish.
Watching his rapidly vanishing back, Snape clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.
He turned to McGonagall, his voice low and icy. "Minerva, you have defended a... tremendous nuisance."
McGonagall stared at the empty end of the corridor, her brow tightly furrowed.
"I hope you know what you're saying, Severus. He is, after all... still a child."
"A child?" Snape repeated, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile devoid of amusement. "I only wish he were."
He said no more. With a sweep of his black robes, he turned and strode away, once again forcing his doubts and fury beneath that cold mask.
McGonagall remained where she was, deep concern showing on her face.
Having escaped Snape's "special attention," Skofot could not stop the corners of his mouth from lifting slightly as he slipped back toward the Slytherin common room.
Watching that ever-gloomy Potion Professor suffer a setback—especially after being stopped by Professor McGonagall on the spot—was indeed rather satisfying. The look of frustration on his face, unable to vent it at all, was especially pleasing.
Skofot could practically picture Snape in the dungeons right now, radiating low pressure at those bubbling cauldrons.
A